Royal Navy Surfers ride the waves to Inter-Service gold

The Royal Navy Surfing Association rode the waves to success against the Army and Royal Air Force in their Inter-Service competition in Cornwall last week to be crowned 2023 champions.

Watergate Bay in Cornwall played host to the 2023 Inter-Service Surfing Championships, which saw all three services enter athletes into several disciplines; open, longboard, bodyboard and the women’s division. 

The competition took place on the 19th of April over one long day, with the first heat in the water at 8am and the last heat out of the water at 5.30pm. 

After placing first in most of his qualifying disciplines, AB Jake Sage won the Open (shortboard discipline) and Lt Ryan Woodridge took the gold in the Bodyboard discipline. 

LAET Matt Gough made the final of both the Open and Shortboard categories, placing fourth and third respectively, with AB Leni Milne taking silver and PO Holly Bloomfield bronze in the Women’s division.

Chairman, Lt Cdr Mike Curd, said, “The Army and RAF both have some strong surfers so it really is a great result for Royal Navy Surfing to win the Inter-Services.

The Royal Navy Surfing Association Committee that I head, set ourselves a few goals in the middle of last year, one of which was to focus on coaching and development of our most promising surfers to win the Inter-Services in 2024, so to have won it this year is fantastic!”

There are some amazing opportunities for members of the association to develop their abilities in training days and camps both in the United Kingdom and abroad in preparation for competitions.

Some of the team headed for sunnier shores in March when they travelled to Portugal for a training camp to enhance their surf skills in the capital of the Portuguese surf scene, Peniche.

With the choice of over thirty different beach breaks in the area, club members were spoilt for choice in deciding where to surf, with up to four sessions reached daily.

Advanced members travelled along the coast, South & North of Peniche, where they surfed the infamous Supertubes, known for its heavy, fast, and deep barrels breaking dangerously close to the beach. A challenge that Royal Navy surfers rose to with full commitment and confidence.

Surfers were also able to venture to the world-famous spot, Nazare. Known for its big wave surfing where waves as high as 80ft have been surfed! Here they soaked up the historical facts within the ‘Big Wave Tour’ museum and absorbed the incredible waves along with the hyped atmosphere based in the area.

Surfing opportunities in the Royal Navy are not just available to members who already have experience in the sport. 

Lt Cdr Mike Curd, said, “Just as important as the team are our grassroots members; we welcome surfers of all abilities and as well as the intermediate/advanced training events, we run a programme of Beginner Weekends from Spring through to Autumn.”

The Royal Navy Surfing Championships will take place in October this year where athletes are selected to represent the team at Inter-Service level. The Championships are open to all members of the association, regardless of ability.